Australian grandmother Galit Carbone dies tragically in Israel

The federal government has confirmed that Australian grandmother Galit Carbone was murdered during the attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas over the weekend.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said, on behalf of the government, that she wished to express her deepest condolences to Ms Carbone’s family and loved ones.

“The loss of life resulting from these attacks has been devastating and unacceptable. Australia has called for an end to the attacks and the immediate and unconditional release of all those taken hostage,” Senator Wong said.

“Our hearts go out to all those killed and injured in these attacks and to all those affected. Australia continues to call for the protection of civilian lives at all times.”

In a statement, council co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the community was devastated to learn of the 66-year-old grandmother’s death.

“The Australian Jewish community is already devastated and the confirmation of the murder of an Australian grandmother in her home brings us new pain and heartbreak,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“We mourn with the Carbone family at this terrible time and stand with the people of Israel and all nations affected by this mass atrocity.”

Hamas launched rockets, killed indiscriminately and took hostages as it marched out of Gaza into southern Israel in a surprise attack over the weekend.

Israel declared war on the terrorist group and launched a full siege of Gaza, promising to deprive its civilian population of electricity, food and water.

The death toll rose into the thousands, with more than 1,000 people killed in Hamas attacks, and another 830 people killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza.

Speaking on Channel 7, Home Secretary Clare O’Neil expressed her condolences to Ms Carbone’s family.

“It’s heartbreaking news this morning for this particular person’s family, their community here in Australia, and can I just say… our thoughts are absolutely with her,” Ms O’Neil said.

“I am devastated for the people who knew her but also for the Australian Jewish community as a whole. We have Jewish brothers and sisters in our country who are suffering greatly from what is a brutal, violent, heinous and totally unjustified terrorism against their country.”

Dozens of foreigners in Israel from the United States, United Kingdom, Thailand, Nepal and several other countries have been killed in Hamas attacks.